Cat makes history in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

On Tuesday, a cat named Oli will be making history as he lines up for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This event, which began as a casual cruise down Australia's east coast in 1945, has seen a variety of colourful competitors. These include media magnate Rupert Murdoch, Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke, and former UK Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. However, there's no record of any feline participants in this challenging regatta.

Oli's owner, Bob Williams, didn't intend to be a trailblazer. The cat is simply a fixture on Sylph VI, and leaving him behind during the race was not an option. Bob told the BBC, 'I've done lots of crazy things, but this isn't one of them. ' The race organisers, initially surprised, are also supportive. There are no race rules prohibiting animals, and cats have a long history in maritime travel.

While most spectators will be focused on the speedy super maxis - giant yachts with up to 24 crew - during the Boxing Day race, Sylph, a 12m (40ft) yacht built in 1960, will compete in the two-handed division where smaller boats compete with a reduced team. Bob humorously referred to their division as the 'two-handed and four-pawed division. ' A friend of his is co-skippering, and as for Oli: 'He's SC - ship's cat. ' While Sylph is a seasoned participant, having taken part in six Sydney to Hobarts many decades ago, this is Bob's first time racing it. However, both he and Oli have ample experience at sea. Bob, a retired navy officer, has spent his life traversing the ocean, often with a feline companion by his side. Oli, who is about 10 years old, joined him five years ago and quickly adapted to life at sea. 'He used to get seasick, and he was a bit stressed to start off with. but now he's fine. He quite enjoys life,' Bob said. The laidback cat can usually be found issuing commands or napping in the boat's cockpit. 'Whenever it gets rough, he'll disappear down below to find a nice, safe spot to curl up. ' The 630 nautical mile (1,166km) race is known for its unpredictable and often harsh conditions. In 1998, competitors were hit by a massive storm, which sank five boats and claimed the lives of six sailors. This year, forecasters have warned of potential thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hail along parts of the course. Despite the risks, Bob is prepared for any emergency. 'The cat overboard routine is just to have something like a towel or a thick rope handy so that they can climb back on board. ' Oli doesn't wear a life jacket because he wouldn't tolerate it: 'They're Houdinis… they'll escape from anything they don't like,' Bob says. But although cats despise water, Bob knows Oli can swim, as he once fled into the ocean to evade an overzealous dog. Sylph and her occupants will be proceeding towards Hobart at a comparatively leisurely pace. Their goal is to reach Hobart in time for the New Year's celebration. They plan to mark the occasion with a nip of rum, and perhaps some milk on the rocks for Oli.